as in classic
constituting, serving as, or worthy of being a pattern to be imitated
Helen of Troy was supposedly the quintessential beauty of the ancient world
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Recent Examples of quintessential
This quintessential coastline is as much ingrained in the city’s DNA as are its famous hills and iconic boulevards.
—
Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 20 Oct. 2025
Nestled on Britain's south coast in the county of Dorset, Bournemouth is a quintessential English seaside town, known for its sandy beach and fish and chips.
—NPR, 18 Oct. 2025
The retailer’s men’s and women’s stores have opened up space for quintessential Loro Piana looks and a monogramming station.
—David Moin, Footwear News, 17 Oct. 2025
While these two colors are quintessential autumn hues, this season has put a spotlight on them, with many people opting for monochromatic looks in the two rich shades.
—Jacqueline Tempera, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for quintessential
Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 20 Oct. 2025
Nestled on Britain's south coast in the county of Dorset, Bournemouth is a quintessential English seaside town, known for its sandy beach and fish and chips.
—NPR, 18 Oct. 2025
The retailer’s men’s and women’s stores have opened up space for quintessential Loro Piana looks and a monogramming station.
—David Moin, Footwear News, 17 Oct. 2025
While these two colors are quintessential autumn hues, this season has put a spotlight on them, with many people opting for monochromatic looks in the two rich shades.
—Jacqueline Tempera, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for quintessential
Recent Examples of Synonyms for quintessential
Adjective
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For those who dislike pasta salad because of all the extra fixings that come with it, look no further than Laurel Market’s simple yet delicious take on the classic side.—
Sofia DiStefano,
Charlotte Observer,
20 Oct. 2025
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The collared neckline lends the classic sweater a vintage-meets-modern appeal, while its structured shape adds a refined edge without compromising comfort.—
Nicol Natale,
PEOPLE,
20 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Smokers with fast and slow fan speeds are exemplary since a rapid speed is useful for igniting the wood chips, and a slow speed is ideal for the actual smoking process.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
16 Oct. 2025
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All of them are exemplary for different reasons, but this fall Cellarius feels apropos.—
Michael Stefanov,
Robb Report,
14 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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In perhaps a perfect encapsulation of the Rangers’ current woes, Mika Zibanejad put himself in position to score an overtime winner and prepared to shoot, only for the puck to slide off his stick.—
Peter Baugh,
New York Times,
17 Oct. 2025
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Beyond Blues introduces non-indigo dye options and versatile customization possibilities, while Airsoft features a fresh palette of luminous mid and light indigo tones, complemented by soft greys and blacks—perfect for spring-summer moods and relaxed silhouettes.—
Angela Velasquez,
Sourcing Journal,
17 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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The archetypal climbers were young men without families to feed or full-time jobs to hold down, free to devote their waking hours to becoming one with the rock.—
Kelli María Korducki,
HubSpot,
17 Oct. 2025
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But Pynchon is also funny, and the disorientation of his novels gives ways to discovery, and un-tangling, and the characters have goofy names that allude to their archetypal nature.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
7 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Quintessential.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/quintessential. Accessed 25 Oct. 2025.
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